FLORIDA STATE BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF MANAGERS MEETING

November 11, 2004

Ag Center, Chipley, FL.

Meeting convened at 1:35 p.m. by Laurence Cutts.

Attending:

Malcolm Sanford

Laurence Cutts (Tupelo)

Josh Gentry (Palm Beach)

Bert and Vernon Gwaltney (Tupelo)

Carolee Howe, Florida Farm Bureau

Norman Freeman (Escarosa)

Dr. Glenn Hall (University of Florida)

Doc Bullard (Escarosa)

David Westervelt (Central Florida)

Dr. James Cuda (University of Florida)

Bert Kelley (Ridge)

Wayne Miller (N. Escambia Bee Assn.)

Linda Henderson (Northeast Florida H. Bee Assn.)

Roll Call: Associations represented: Tupelo, Palm Beach, Escarosa, Ridge, N. Escambia.

Motion that minutes of the last meeting (10 July 2004 in High Springs) as published on the world wide web be accepted as presented by Bert Gwaltney (seconded by David Westervelt) Passed.

Presentation by Dr. James Cuda, IFAS Associate Professor in Entomology on efforts to introduce biological control to Brazilian pepper in Florida. Several insects are under consideration with one, the sawfly, Heteroperreyia hubrichi, to be released soon once the all clear is given by APHIS.

Dr. Cuda discussed the conflicts that any biological control program may cause between regulatory agencies and populations of affected individuals like beekeepers.. In this case, the nectar resource many beekeepers depend on, Brazilian Pepper (Shinus terebinthifolius) is on the “noxious weed” list and eligible for control measures. The plant is responsible for causing dermatitis in sensitive individuals, many of the plants’ parts (resin, leaves, fruits) are considered toxic; even the odor can sometimes cause allergic reactions. The plant can affect the tourist industry as its monocultural mats out compete native plants, displace wildlife and areas where it grows in profusion are prone to be abandoned by tourists. The wood is not commercially usable. Brazilian pepper is a high priority for control because it has already invaded the Everglades and has the potential to increase its range dramatically.

Dr. Cuda concluded by stating that Federal and State regulatory programs for plants have a mandate to replace controlled plants with those that are not deemed problematic. He asked those present which plants they might recommend to replace Brazilian pepper. For example, wax myrtle appears to be an excellent candidate for general replacement, but unfortunately is not a bee plant. If one or two could be found, there might be funds to plant these as part of any mandated regulatory program. Dr.Cuda took questions and closed his presentation by saying he will continue to keep the Association informed of his activities.

Executive Secretary’s Report: Since the last general meeting, six (6) newsletters have been produced, four (4) with ads. In addition, a special mailing was sent our in October to persons who have been purged from the mailing list (311). Membership is now stable at 140 active (paying dues), 95 Life members, 26 advertisers and 6 complimentary. A major issue is that the newsletters appear to be very slow in being mailed and their arrival cannot be predicted with much certainty. Most had not received the November issue, mailed in late October. In some cases, the October issue, mailed 6 weeks previously had not arrived. The executive secretary will investigate the possibility of mailing newsletters first class.

President Cutts appointed the nominating committee (Gary Ranker, chr), audit committee (Mary Fay Roberts, chr.) and awards committee (L. Cutts chr).

Invitation of the Northeast Honey Bee Assn. to help with arrangements for 2005 meeting in St.Augustine area discussed.

Other issues to be discussed were tabled until the general session business meeting on Saturday morning due to the impending yard sale scheduled at 3:00 p.m.

Motion to adjourn by David Westervelt (seconded by Doc Bullard). Passed. Meeting adjourned 2:45 p.m.